Rachel McCulloch

What's your job about?

I work at a law firm that practices in almost all areas of law.  

I work in a highly reputable law firm that practices in almost all areas of law.  I work in the Wills and Estates team under our Workgroup Partner, Renee Bennett, who is an Accredited Specialist in Succession Law.  We deal with all matters related to wills and estates including:

• Estate administration (including providing advice to executors, applying for Grants of Representation from the Supreme Court of Queensland, preparation of estate accounts, filing of Caveats, advising on and administering complex estates, administering testamentary trusts, applications to the court if required).
• Estate planning (including Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorneys, Advance Health Directives, Testamentary Discretionary Trusts, asset protection advice, protection for those with special needs, business succession planning, superannuation and advice on adequate protection).
• Estate litigation (varies significantly from case to case but can involve further provision claims, applications to remove executors, application for statutory wills, to name a few).

What's your background?

I grew up in Townsville.  I left high school at the end of Year 11 (2005) and completed a business course at TAFE. I worked full-time in administrative roles for about fifteen years.  I worked in a financial planning firm, a freight company, an inbound Telstra call centre, the aviation department at an airport, a barristers’ chambers and for a District Court Judge.   

I became pregnant in 2010 which was when I decided I wanted to do more with my career.  I always knew I wanted to study law, but I struggled a lot in high school.   

I commenced a ‘bridging course’ at TAFE in 2011.  In 2014, I received an offer letter from JCU to enrol in a Bachelor of Laws. I worked full-time and studied part-time throughout my studies, using up all my annual leave for study and exams (other than in 2018 when I took my daughter on a 4 week holiday to the USA and Canada). 

I had several interviews at law firms over the years, always missing out due to lack experience.  In 2018, I was offered a job from a local barrister, who is the only QC barrister based in Townsville.  I worked in these chambers for two years and continued studying law part-time. I even completed my Honours during this period.  

I applied to be a Judges’ Associate in Townsville in the last year of my studies (2020).  The role of a Judge’s Associate is unique and involves a close working relationship between the Judge and the Associate. An Associate’s role is to act as a personal and confidential aide to the Judge, in and out of court.  It is a rare opportunity to gain insight into the court processes behind the scenes. I was offered the position of Judges’ Associate for 2021.  My Associateship ended two weeks before I commenced my current role as a solicitor at wilson/ryan/grose lawyers. 

I started expressing my interest in law graduate positions at local firms in September 2021 (advising I was looking to commence in early 2022). w/r/g just so happened to be looking for someone to start in the Wills and Estates team early 2022.  I attended an interview with two Partners and was offered the job around September (and of course immediately accepted).  

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely. The practice area itself is quite rewarding.  You get to meet and interact with all different clients from all different walks of life.  It’s a role that allows you to help people in significant ways. 

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I love client appointments and interacting with people. Our clients are all very pleasant to deal with and are often very appreciative of our advice.  

What are the limitations of your job?

The only limitations I have are very standard for new lawyers and that’s often to do with the supervisory nature of being a graduate.  

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• Meet as many people at the university and make as many connections as possible (including fellow students/lecturers/guest lecturers).  
• Attend as many networking events as possible. Never be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone (including Judges – they are all very approachable and often appreciate it).  
• Try not to feel disheartened if you don’t get offered a job after an interview. Interviews are great practice and employers often remember you the next time they advertise for future positions. They are sometimes closely watching your progress to see whether you have gained a bit more work experience or completed a few more subjects at university.